Exploration
Exploration is the path to forming a secure sense of identity. At this time in her life, your teen’s job is to experiment and try out new ways of thinking and behaving. The many “phases” that adolescents go through are their attempts at exploration. These changes can be scary for parents (and for teens too!).
Your son or daughter may explore his or her identity through changes of appearance, ideas, peer groups, music, and much more. Through experimentation, teens select, sort through, and try out sets of values, beliefs, and goals. As a parent, sometimes it can be hard to deal with your teen’s new-found interests. But rest assured, their interests will probably change quickly enough! Although confusing and unpredictable, these changes are healthy and necessary in teens’ search for who they are.
Discussion and Identity Formation
The best way to help your teen form his or her identity is through the all-around-parenting-gem, communication. Frequent open discussions with your teen promote development in many ways. Discussions help in creating and maintaining bonds during the teen years.
Discussions that allow for the expression of diverse opinions and ideas can help your teen learn to evaluate information and develop critical thinking skills. Discussion aids in developing self-reflection, reasoning power, and moral thinking. Share your own ideas, opinions and why you see things a certain way. Solicit your teen’s opinions. It may be difficult, but trust your teen to evaluate information and make decisions about their beliefs on their own.
Be a Guide to Your Teen
One of the hardest parts of parenting is balancing your teen’s needs for independence from, and connection to, you. In the adolescent years, your son or daughter becomes more independent and must do so in order form a secure sense of self. The role of the parent, therefore, becomes one of guidance. Don’t be fooled, though. Your teens still need you to guide their development through warm and sensitive discussions.
Accept and Respect Your Teen’s Individuality
Adolescence is a time of transformation. Teens begin to develop ideas that they truly believe in and own. Spend time talking with your teen. Learn about him or her and show an interest in understanding the person your teen is becoming.
Go To Page: 1 2
